Guwahati: The standoff over Arunachal Pradesh’s proposed 11,200 MW Siang dam intensified Monday as a 36-hour bandh paralysed Upper Siang district, with protesters demanding the release of around 40 arrested people and withdrawal of CAPF personnel. CM Pema Khandu sought to defuse tensions, assuring the Adi community that no construction decision had been taken, either by the Centre or state govt.“We are not talking about dam construction at this stage. I assure each and every one of you that no decision has been made regarding construction of the Siang UMP,” Khandu said, promising that the project would not proceed without extensive public consultations and consent, as required by land acquisition and environmental laws.He said govt was considering preparation of a pre-feasibility report to assess viability and alternatives, not approving construction. Khandu described his assurance as a “binding personal commitment” to residents of Siang and Upper Siang districts, the Adi community and people of Arunachal.Citing China’s 60,000 MW hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, which flows from Tibet into Arunachal as the Siang, the CM said the proposed study was necessary to assess water-security risks. Around 65% of the Siang’s water originates in China, he said, warning of possible sudden surges and winter shortages.The shutdown was called by SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA) after state govt missed its Sunday deadline to release around 40 people arrested over the Oct 23 violence in Pasighat and subsequent protests. Protesters also demanded withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel from affected areas.Backed by Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), protesters blocked roads with felled trees, shutting shops, markets and fuel stations in Upper Siang headquarters Yingkiong. Traffic largely stopped, except for emergency vehicles. Academic activities were exempted. Mobile internet services remained suspended in Yingkiong, Komkar and Geku.The bandh also affected Mebo subdivision in neighbouring East Siang district, where protesters blocked roads by squatting and felling trees. Student organisations enforced an additional 12-hour shutdown there. District headquarters Pasighat remained largely unaffected.“No untoward incidents have been reported so far and the bandh has been peaceful,” central range IG Hibu Tamang said.Opposition to SUMP stems from fears that the reservoir could displace thousands of Adi families and submerge ancestral lands. The project is also being discussed against the backdrop of China’s mega dam on the upper reaches.
